Hand & Power Tool Safety

All too often we see construction industry workers injured by the tools they use to get the job done.  With everyday use, workers can become complacent of the hazards that can pose a very serious threat to their health and safety.  From hammers and chisels, to powered saws and drills, employees who use hand and power tools are exposed to serious physical hazards and must be provided with the appropriate training and personal protective equipment. 

As an employer you are responsible for the maintenance and condition of your company's tools.  This includes providing the proper personal protection equipment and ensuring this equipment is properly utilized.  When employees bring their own tools to the job, the employer is still responsible for the tools that are being allowed to be in use at the jobsite.  If company tools are not found to be in a safe condition for use, they should be removed from the jobsite.  This applies to employee owned tools as well.

Employers should not assume that employees, when hired, have the knowledge and experience to operate the tools necessary to complete their job task in a safe manner and as the company requires.  An effort should be made to ensure that employees have a complete understanding of the proper use of the equipment and an ability to recognize the hazards associated with the different types of tools they may be utilizing on the job. 

Employees and employers should work together to establish safe working procedures. If a hazardous situation is encountered, it should be brought immediately to the attention of the proper individual for corrective action.

For more information on Hand & Power Tools, or other construction industry safety questions or concerns, please contact PGM Safety Services, an affiliate company of Pro Group Management, and we will be happy to assist you at (800) 859-3177